Kaduna Cleric Criticises First Lady’s Rice Distribution, Links Palliatives to 2027 Politics

KADUNA, Nigeria— Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Ustaz Asadul Islam has drawn widespread reaction after a sermon in which he criticised a rice distribution exercise linked to Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, and questioned the scholars who attended the event in Kaduna.

The First Lady recently oversaw the distribution of 100 trucks of rice and ₦1.2 billion worth of palliatives targeted at vulnerable households across Northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to official sources, the programme was coordinated with the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Political and Other Matters.

Cleric’s remarks 

In the widely circulated lecture, Asadul Islam questioned the presence of religious scholars at the Kaduna event, suggesting the distribution carried political undertones ahead of the 2027 elections.  

He said he would not “struggle for the poor to the point of death,” nor align with what he described as injustice. He also criticised scholars who accepted the rice, implying they had compromised their positions.

The cleric invoked deceased Islamic scholars, arguing that earlier generations were more committed to defending the masses, while expressing disappointment with contemporary religious leadership. His remarks included strong and controversial language directed at unnamed individuals, which he said should not be taken personally.

Criticism of palliative distribution

Asadul Islam questioned the timing and motivation of the rice distribution, asking why similar interventions had not been carried out in previous years and suggesting the gesture was politically motivated ahead of 2027.  

He also compared the Kaduna distribution with palliative programmes in other regions, alleging disparities in what was provided.

Rejection of palliatives

The cleric said he personally rejected the rice distributed at the event, describing it as unacceptable and stating he would not accept what he termed politically motivated charity.  

He urged followers not to rely on political actors for their livelihood, but to depend on God for sustenance and welfare.

Political undertone

While not explicitly endorsing or rejecting any candidate, he said he would not direct his followers on how to vote in 2027, adding that individuals should make their own political decisions based on conscience.

Government programme

The First Lady’s office earlier described the initiative as humanitarian support aimed at alleviating hardship among vulnerable populations, particularly in Northern Nigeria and the FCT.  

The programme forms part of broader social intervention efforts being implemented by the federal government in collaboration with relevant offices.